The benefits of using a GIS to manage your community’s assets are vast, but the implementation process can often seem overwhelming, especially when there are multiple stakeholders and departments involved. Fortunately, there are steps you can take at the beginning of the set-up process to avoid unnecessary headaches and set your team up for long-term success. Here are a few of our best tips to help your municipality jump start its GIS implementation.
Get clear about your goals
Before you begin implementing a new GIS, we suggest sitting down and getting very honest with yourself and your team about your struggles, needs, and goals.
How can your new GIS help your team succeed?
What pain points are you experiencing, and how can a GIS alleviate those issues while supporting your team to be more productive and efficient?
Are you looking to create a reliable, effective database for your department?
Are you looking to simplify the ways in which your department gathers and reports data?
Do you have long-time employees retiring, and their asset management knowledge leaving with them?
Identifying your main goals and objectives will make every part of the implementation process much easier, so don’t skimp when it comes to this step!
Decide who should be involved in the process
An effective GIS will help you manage a wide variety of municipal assets and benefit many employees. Your public works, water utility, police, and parks and rec departments can all improve their processes with the right GIS.
Figuring out exactly which individuals will be supported by your new GIS and getting major stakeholders involved in the process from the beginning will support a smooth transition and help key staff members understand their role in supporting the overall goals of your community.
training, training, training!
It’s crucial to identify the level of implementation and ongoing support your team will need to successfully establish your GIS. Though AssetAlly is intuitive and user friendly, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of client training and customer support from the moment you begin using our software.
GIS is a technical software that can be successfully utilized by employees with all types of backgrounds, but learning new systems can initially feel intimidating. By offering quality, ongoing support from the beginning of your transition to a new GIS, you’ll avoid growing pains and help set your employees up for success. As with all new systems, the more your team uses your GIS, the more intuitive it will become!
If you’re unsure about what kind of training will best support your staff, don’t be afraid to ask your consultant or give our team a call.
For more information on jump-starting your GIS implementation, please contact one of our experts today!
